The Next Evolution of Drones & Robotics

Drones and robots are no longer just tools of the future – they are actively reshaping how we explore, build, train, and respond to the world around us. Drones equipped with lidar and 360° imaging are uncovering hidden ancient cities along the Silk Road and creating immersive 3D digital twins of fragile heritage sites before they are lost to time. Underwater robotic cameras have produced detailed one-to-one models of the Titanic wreck, revealing details the human eye could never access alone. Meanwhile, VR is enabling researchers aboard the International Space Station to study how the human body and mind adapt to microgravity, and on the ground, VR-powered teleoperation is allowing people to control robots remotely with the kind of precision and intuition that was previously unimaginable. Construction sites are using a combination of VR training environments, drones, and robots like Boston Dynamics' Spot to identify hazards, track progress, and prepare workers before they ever set foot on a job site.
As these technologies converge, the opportunities are significant – but so are the challenges. Scaling teleoperation systems, ensuring reliable real-time data transfer, navigating regulatory frameworks for drone use, and making these tools accessible and practical across industries are all areas still being worked out. Augmented reality is also emerging as a key layer in this ecosystem, helping operators visualize robot behavior, overlay spatial data, and respond faster in complex or dangerous environments – from disaster response scenarios to surgical training. The question is less whether these technologies work, and more how quickly industries can build the infrastructure, training, and trust to adopt them at scale.
Join us September 2nd at 2112 where this session brings together drone operators, robotics engineers, and XR developers to explore where immersive technology and autonomous systems are intersecting today, what it takes to move from proof-of-concept to real-world deployment, and what this convergence means for the future of work, discovery, and safety.

What's The Format:

We will start with informal networking with demonstrations, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking and demonstrations. We keep it simple and informal – this meetup is about you, our members, and not just a soap box for the host, presenters, or our sponsors. Come and get your questions answered, take your next step in Immersive Technology.
5:30-8:30pm Central

5:30-6:15 PM Networking & Tech Demos

6:15-6:30 PM Welcome Message

6:30-7:10 PM Panelist Presentations

7:10-7:45 PM Panel Discussion with Q&A

7:45-8:30 PM Networking & Tech Demos

Hosts:

Matt Wren
Founder of The Next Evolution Nonprofit Event Series & VRAR Chicago

Andrew Towl - Virtual Host
XR Unity Developer & 3D Generalist - ApparitionXR

Panel Members:
Find Details at thenextevolution.org/upcoming-events

Attending The Next Evolution

Joining in Person:

2112 | 4245 N Knox Ave

conveniently located off Interstate 90/94, one (1) block from the CTA Montrose Blue Line stop as well as the Metra Mayfair stop.
Watching the Live Stream www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams

People can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!

Joining Virtually in FRAME
Framevr.io/the-next-evolution-awe-nite-chicago

We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment by simply clicking the link above.

The Frame virtual environment resembles a physical space, so you will be able to talk with other attendees prior to the start of the presentations. We suggest that you arrive no later than 6:00pm and we will get started promptly at 6:15. Please try to get familiar with the technology prior to the meetup, as we will be unable to provide support during the event. Share your camera or simply be a unique avatar or a robot!

The Next Evolution | AWE Nite Chicago Event Series (produced by VRAR Chicago) is now and always will be 100% free to attend.
Thanks to The Next Evolution Sponsor 2112 and beverage sponsors [system] seltzers and Revolution Brewing.

We would also like to thank our Community Partners that help us continue spreading the joy of immersive technologies: FrameVR, XR Women, NVZN, Patched Reality, Two Degrees.io, and Unreal Chicago.